It should come as no surprise that the most successful exercise program is one well suited to you. To give yourself the best odds of sticking with a program, stack the deck in your favor by considering the following points before you start.
What do you like to do? If you hate jogging, you won’t be able to maintain a program based on jogging no matter how good it is for you. Don’t expect to change your likes and dislikes, especially when starting out.
What kind of setting works for you? Do you have easy access to a pool? If not, swimming probably isn’t a good choice. Likewise, if you live in a particularly hot or cold climate, certain outdoor activities may not be sustainable. On the other hand, if there’s a network of biking and jogging trails near your office, a routine of lunchtime exercise might be just the ticket.
Do you like exercising alone or with others? Many people find the solitude of swimming or running ideal for contemplation. Others enjoy the motivation and support of a group aerobics class or the company of a walking companion.
How much money do you want to spend? You’ll need to weigh expense against other factors, such as the ability to exercise indoors or to participate in a particular activity. Many exercise options are available at a range of prices. You can get great workouts for virtually no money by walking, running, or hiking. A set of inexpensive home barbells can produce the same results as a health club membership. However, some people may find that the money they spend for gym privileges is a motivating factor. Only you know what’ll work best in your particular case. But it may take some trial and error to figure it out.
What’s your current level of fitness? If you’ve been sedentary for a while, it’s unrealistic, not to mention dangerous, to attempt a 5-mile run your first day out. One of the quickest ways to sabotage an exercise program is with an injury. A more practical approach would be to start with walking and slowly work up to greater levels of intensity as your level of fitness increases. Generally, moderate exercise is safe for all. If you’ve had previous injuries or suffer from a chronic disease, talk to your doctor about your physical limitations and get advice about a well-rounded exercise plan tailored to your needs. Depending on your circumstances, your doctor may suggest that you have an exercise stress test or participate in a rehabilitation program, if necessary.
What are your exercise goals? Although aerobic exercise offers the greatest benefit for cardiovascular health, your workout ideally should also include strengthening, stretching, and balance exercises. However, you may want to focus on a particular area, depending on your goals. For example, a weight-loss program should stress calorie-burning aerobic activities. If flexibility and balance are your main concerns, you may want to spend more time practicing tai chi or yoga.
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Exercise is the best way to reduce the fat deep inside your body, the visceral fat. Learn more about how exercise improves your health and tips to making exercise a regular part of your life by reading Exercise: A Program You Can Live With.
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Comments: 4
I've worked out with a personal trainer on and off for the past 4 years and found that the inches peel off much faster when I focus more on weight training vs. cardio. I've been back in training for the past 5 weeks and spend approx 25% of my workout hours on cardio ... which seems to be the right mix for me. I'm not losing pounds just yet ... but have dropped at least one size.
I know it is a little more expensive, but I highly recommend a trainer to anyone starting out on a program. Doing the exercises correctly not only helps you get the most out of your workout, but is also critical in preventing injuries.